AOL acquired New York-based startup Patch Media in June 2009. Until then, Patch only had operated its hyperlocal news sites in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. This past February, however, AOL announced plans to greatly expand the sites into several hundred markets by year's end. Here's something I wrote on this Aug. 17:

AOL's Patch.com Launches 100th Site, Plans 500 Hires This Year

New York -- AOL on Tuesday said it has launched its 100th Patch.com hyperlocal news and information site in Morristown, N.J., and outlined plans to hire more than 500 additional journalists in 20 states by year's end. The company, which began with three Patch sites in Feb. 2009, said it now expects to be the largest hirer of full-time journalists in the U.S. this year. "We believe Patch is a revolutionary and efficient approach to producing relevant, quality local journalism at scale," said Warren Webster, the president of Patch Media. Every Patch site is run by one full-time local editor who, along with freelancers, produces original news and information for a specific community. The sites also let community members comment on stories, share opinions, post photos and announcements and add events to a community calendar. Sites are currently live in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Virginia.
http://www.patch.com/
http://corp.aol.com/2010/08/17/aol-s-patch-launches-100th-site-plans-expansion-to-more-than-50/

It is a great concept. Since it hit our area I've been in there almost every day for local news and sports. Also has some interesting discussions on local issues.

We have one going on now. 84 year old man was hit and killed at his mail box. Driver did not stop. Police id'ed Vehicle based on missing mirror. Was driven by 32 year old lady. Police have impounded truck but did not make any arrests or released name of driver. They have said it could take up to a year to complete investigation. Patch discussion is pretty indignant towards the police. Feeling is that they are protecting this lady because of connections.

I'm working on a Patch site in Rhode Island as the local editor. While I obviously can't share every detail about their business plan and what not, AOL has sunk a lot of capital and serious muscle into the organization. So far, the experience for me has been great.

You guys are kidding on this, right? In perusing a few Patch.com sites I have seen almost nothing in the way of breaking news and new sports stories go up about every three days. Why would anyone want to use this to get their local news.

You guys are kidding on this, right? In perusing a few Patch.com sites I have seen almost nothing in the way of breaking news and new sports stories go up about every three days. Why would anyone want to use this to get their local news.

You guys are kidding on this, right? In perusing a few Patch.com sites I have seen almost nothing in the way of breaking news and new sports stories go up about every three days. Why would anyone want to use this to get their local news.

Click to expand...

The ones in my area (Rhode Island) update two to five times a day with news. Sports can still be a bit here and there, but the high school season hasn't started yet, and most of the sites are hyper-local and thus wouldn't run any wire or pro stories.

If anyone wants info from someone who works as a full-time editor for Patch, let me know. I'm still in the market for sports freelancers who are available to cover late afternoon HS sports events and understand the importance of hitting a deadline.
E-mail me at Robert.Fucci@patch.com